Much has changed in the past nine months, but nothing has put a dent in public opinion regarding President Trump’s handling of the economy. With nearly the same breakdown as in January, 38% say the president’s economic program is making the economy better, 37% say it’s making it worse, and 23% say it’s having no real effect.
As in January, a wide majority of Republicans (82%) say Trump’s economic program is making the economy better, while just six percent say it’s making it worse and 11% say it’s having no real effect. Democrats and independents have maintained their views as well, with 64% of Democrats and 40% of independents saying Trump’s policies are making the economy worse.
Trump’s support is strongest among self-identified conservative or very conservative Republicans, 89% of whom say his economic program is making the economy better. Among more moderate Republicans, who are outnumbered in the Republican Party by more than a two-to-one margin, fewer but still a majority (66%) say Trump’s policies are making the economy better.
When asked which political party in general does a better job handling the economy, the public is locked in a 45-45 deadlock. Republicans overwhelmingly (95%) favor the Republican party, while Democrats overwhelmingly (88%) favor the Democratic party. Independents are split, with 39% favoring the Democrats and 36% favoring the Republicans.
For more detailed results, click through the interactive toplines below.
Read more about our polling methodology here.
Question text:
Which one of the following issues matters MOST to you right now?
Would you say that you and your family are better off or worse off financially than you were a year ago?
Now looking ahead - do you think that a year from now you and your family will be better off financially, worse off financially, or just about the same as now?
Now turning to business conditions in the country as a whole - do you think that during the next 12 months we'll have good or bad times financially?
Looking ahead, which would you say is more likely to take place in the next five years for the country as a whole:
Thinking about the big things people buy for their homes - such as furniture, a stove, a television… Generally speaking, do you think now is a good or bad time for people to buy major household items?
As you may know, periods of economic growth are followed by periods of recession. Do you think a recession over the next year is…
Which statement best describes your view of the economy right now?
Do you think President Trump’s economic program is making the economy better, making it worse or having no real effect?
Which political party do you trust to do a better job handling the economy?
